Anthropological Survey of India
Topic: India, That Is Bharat: Names of India and Unity in Diversity · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 8 "Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One'"
Meaning
The Anthropological Survey of India is India's national body for anthropology, the study of human communities, their customs, languages and ways of life. It was set up in 1945, with its headquarters in Kolkata, and works today under the Ministry of Culture. It matters because it gives hard numbers about India's diversity instead of just slogans.
Example
Its 'People of India' project, directed by anthropologist K.S. Singh in the late 20th century, surveyed 4,635 communities across all States. It counted 325 languages written in 25 scripts. It also found that many Indians are internal migrants, living away from their birthplace or original community.
Don't confuse with
- Archaeological Survey of India: it was set up in 1861 under Alexander Cunningham, and it studies and protects ancient sites and monuments. The Anthropological Survey studies living communities.